Transition Year Students Learn about 50 Years of the EU

By NOLLAIG MURPHY Development Officer, IRD Duhallow

In 1973 Ireland joined the European Economic Community, an organisation that evolved into today’s European Union. Over the past 50 years, EU membership has been transformative for Ireland. The EU Single Market provides opportunities to live, study, work and do business across Europe. It has laid the basis for better environmental protection, stronger workers’ rights, and support for farmers. EU membership has helped Ireland to become more diverse, inclusive, and equal. It has also helped support peace on the island of Ireland.

Throughout the month of November Transition Year students from Scoil Phobail Slibah Luachra Rathmore, Millstreet Community School and Scoil Mhuire Kanturk participated in a fantastic project which looked at the impact of 50 years of EU membership on Ireland and Duhallow. As part of these Communicating Europe workshops students learned about projects supported through EU funds that have enhanced the Duhallow area. Students also were given an opportunity to reflect on Ireland as a modern EU member state, the recent population growth in the Duhallow area and the changesthat have occurred in the last 50 years. Within the workshops students undertook interactive cultural awareness training and looked at diversity awareness, inclusion and appreciating difference.

Transition Year Students from Scoil Phobail Rathmore with project tutor Dr. Alvina Grossu at their Communicating Europe workshop.

IRD Duhallow were delighted to welcome Mr. Billy Kelleher MEP and Mr. Séan Kelly MEP to virtually address the students at a special closing meeting of the Communicating Europe Programme.

Facilitated by Ms. Eileen Linehan, Assistant Manager and attended by Dr. Alvina Grossu, project tutor, students had an opportunity to hear firsthand about the EU parliament and its functions. Mr. Billy Kelleher described the benefits attached to EU membership including the massive internal market for trading that now exists for Irish goods. Mr Kelleher also spoke of the conferred rights and entitlements that have arisen due to Irish EU membership, including travel opportunities that now exist. Mr. Séan Kelly spoke to the students in relation to the benefits Ireland has seen due to its EU membership, and how the country has progressed from being an extremely poor country at the time of joining. Mr. Kelly also described to students the EU’s response to climate change and the ongoing processes involved in progressing the move to renewable sources of energy. He also informed the students of the job opportunities and educational benefits that are now open to Irish youth within the European Union. Both MEPS highlighted how Ireland has matured as a nation through its 50 years of EU membership, and how the country has changed from being a net recipient. to a net contributor to EU funds. A huge well done to all participating students and schools for their enthusiasm and engagement with this project.

Transition Year Students from Millstreet Community School pictured with Mr. Shane Guerin TY Co-Ordinator, Dr. Alvina Grossu Project Tutor and Nollaig Murphy IRD Duhallow.

Transition Year Students from Scoil Mhuire Kanturk with their Principal Mr. Denis Keating, project tutor Dr. Alvina Grossu and Nollaig Murphy IRD Duhallow.